This lecture discusses about the structure, function and the differences in between the different components of the vasculature (arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins). Before delving into the details about individual components of the vasculature, an understanding about the general structure of the blood vessel will be discussed. A standard blood vessel is composed of three layers, which are discussed as following:
Click Here To Watch Video Lecture For This Topic
- TUNICA INTIMA forms the innermost layer of any vessel. Tunica intima itself is composed of three component layers. Endothelium forms the innermost aspect of the tunica intima. Surrounding the endothelium is a connective tissue layer called the subendothelial layer. Subendothelial layer has a varying amount of elastic and smooth muscle fiber depending on the type of vessel. In elastic arteries the density of elastic and smooth muscle fibers is higher compared to smaller arteries. Outermost component of the tunica intima is the internal elastic lamina.
- TUNICA MEDIAforms the middle layer of the vessel. It is mostly composed of the elastic and smooth muscle fibers which are arranged in a circular pattern. Tunica media is surrounded by the external elastic lamina.
- TUNICA ADVENTITIA forms the outermost layer of any vessel. Vasa vasorum are present in the tunica adventitia layer